No epileptic seizure is thought to be due to underlying psychological mechanisms. About 20% of patients with non-epileptic seizures also have epilepsy. A careful evaluation and diagnostic tests such as EEG recording are needed to make the correct diagnosis. Non-epileptic attacks often arise in stressful situations and represent an avoidance mechanism. The timing of the seizures linking them to external events often gives the diagnosis. The stress may be a change of home environment or an extra demand place upon individual.

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There are common triggers that can provoke seizures in people with epilepsy. These include sensory stimuli like loud music, specific visual patterns and flashing lights. Sleep deprivation, alcohol withdrawal, stress, fever or missing a prescribed anti-seizure medication may also induce seizures. If you’ve already had one seizure, your likelihood of developing epilepsy increases. Your chances also grow if you’ve suffered a serious head injury or have a family history of epilepsy.